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DoD Compliance · STIG

Microsoft Excel 2010

V1R9 · · · Released 23 Jan 2015 · 47 rules
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Settings in this guidance assume a complete installation of Microsoft Office 2010 on the Windows 7 Platform. Registry paths and values identified in each control assume the use of Group Policy Administrative Templates. Installations not using Group Policies to administer Microsoft Office products may observe alternate registry paths for stored configuration values.
Digest of Updates vs. V1R8 · 25 Apr 2014 No substantive changes

Comparison against the immediately-prior release (V1R8). Rule matching uses the Group Vuln ID. Content-change detection compares the rule’s description, check, and fix text after stripping inline markup — cosmetic-only edits aren’t flagged.

No substantive changes detected against the previous release. 47 rules matched cleanly.

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b
Disabling of user name and password syntax from being used in URLs must be enforced.
Medium - V-17173 - SV-33402r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO104 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17173
Rule IDs
  • SV-33402r1_rule
The Uniform Resource Locator (URL) standard allows user authentication to be included in URL strings in the form http://username:password@example.com. A malicious user might use this URL syntax to create a hyperlink that appears to open a legitimate Web site but actually opens a deceptive (spoofed) Web site. For example, the URL http://www.wingtiptoys.com@example.com appears to open http://www.wingtiptoys.com but actually opens http://example.com. To protect users from such attacks, Internet Explorer usually blocks any URLs using this syntax. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a Web page). If user names and passwords in URLs are allowed, users could be diverted to dangerous Web pages, which could pose a security risk. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33886r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Disable user name and password” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box must be present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_HTTP_USERNAME_PASSWORD_DISABLE Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29574r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Disable user name and password” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box.

b
Enabling IE Bind to Object functionality must be present.
Medium - V-17174 - SV-33388r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO111 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17174
Rule IDs
  • SV-33388r1_rule
Internet Explorer performs a number of safety checks before initializing an ActiveX control. It will not initialize a control if the kill bit for the control is set in the registry, or if the security settings for the zone in which the control is located do not allow it to be initialized. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a Web page). A security risk could occur if potentially dangerous controls are allowed to load. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33871r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Bind to Object” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box must be present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_SAFE_BINDTOOBJECT Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29560r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Bind to Object” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box.

b
Saved from URL mark to assure Internet zone processing must be enforced.
Medium - V-17175 - SV-33416r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO117 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17175
Rule IDs
  • SV-33416r1_rule
Typically, when Internet Explorer loads a Web page from a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) share that contains a Mark of the Web (MOTW) comment, indicating the page was saved from a site on the Internet, Internet Explorer runs the page in the Internet security zone instead of the less restrictive Local Intranet security zone. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a Web page). If Internet Explorer does not evaluate the page for a MOTW, potentially dangerous code could be allowed to run.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33899r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Saved from URL” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box must be present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_UNC_SAVEDFILECHECK Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29588r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Saved from URL” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box.

b
Navigation to URL's embedded in Office products must be blocked.
Medium - V-17183 - SV-33409r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO123 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17183
Rule IDs
  • SV-33409r1_rule
To protect users from attacks, Internet Explorer usually does not attempt to load malformed URLs. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a Web page). If Internet Explorer attempts to load a malformed URL, a security risk could occur in some cases.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33892r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Navigate URL” must be “Enabled” and a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box must be present. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_VALIDATE_NAVIGATE_URL Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29581r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Navigate URL” to “Enabled” and place a check in the ‘excel.exe’ check box.

b
Links that invoke instances of IE from within an Office product must be blocked.
Medium - V-17184 - SV-33393r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO129 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17184
Rule IDs
  • SV-33393r1_rule
The Pop-up Blocker feature in Internet Explorer can be used to block most unwanted pop-up and pop-under windows from appearing. This functionality can be controlled separately for instances of Internet Explorer spawned by Office applications (for example, if a user clicks a link in an Office document or selects a menu option that loads a Web page). If the Pop-up Blocker is disabled, disruptive and potentially dangerous pop-up windows could load and present a security risk.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33877r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Block popups” must be “Enabled” and ‘excel.exe’ is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WEBOC_POPUPMANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29566r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Block popups” to “Enabled” and select ‘excel.exe’.

b
Trust Bar Notifications for unsigned application add-ins must be blocked.
Medium - V-17187 - SV-33442r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO131 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17187
Rule IDs
  • SV-33442r1_rule
If an application is configured to require all add-ins be signed by a trusted publisher, any unsigned add-ins the application loads will be disabled and the application will display the Trust Bar at the top of the active window. The Trust Bar contains a message informing users about the unsigned add-in.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33925r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them” must be “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value NoTBPromptUnsignedAddin is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29614r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Disable Trust Bar Notification for unsigned application add-ins and block them” to “Enabled”.

b
Pre-release versions of file formats new to Office Products must be blocked.
Medium - V-17322 - SV-33448r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO210 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17322
Rule IDs
  • SV-33448r1_rule
The Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Excel 2010 File Formats installed can open Office Open XML files saved with pre-release versions of Excel 2010. Excel Open XML files usually have the following extensions: .xlsx, .xlsm, .xltx, .xltm, .xlam. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33931r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 -> Office 2010 Converters “Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Excel 2010 through the Compatibility Pack for Office 2010 and Excel 2010 Converter” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value Excel12BetaFilesFromConverters is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29620r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 -> Office 2010 Converters “Block opening of pre-release versions of file formats new to Excel 2010 through the Compatibility Pack for Office 2010 and Excel 2010 Converter” to “Enabled”.

b
All automatic loading from Trusted Locations must be disabled.
Medium - V-17471 - SV-33447r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO133 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17471
Rule IDs
  • SV-33447r1_rule
Trusted locations specified in the Trust Center are used to define file locations assumed to be safe. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from trusted locations with a minimal amount of security, without prompting the users for permission. If a dangerous file is opened from a trusted location, it will not be subject to standard security measures and could harm users' computers or data. By default, files located in trusted locations (those specified in the Trust Center) are assumed to be safe. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33930r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Disable all trusted locations” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllLocationsDisabled is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29619r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Disable all trusted locations” to “Enabled”.

b
Force encrypted macros to be scanned in open XML documents must be determined and configured.
Medium - V-17473 - SV-33441r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO142 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17473
Rule IDs
  • SV-33441r1_rule
When an Office Open XML document (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is rights-managed, or password-protected, any macros embedded in the document are encrypted along with the rest of the contents. By default, these encrypted macros will be disabled unless they are scanned by antivirus software immediately before being loaded. If this default configuration is modified, Office products will not require encrypted macros to be scanned before loading. They will be handled as specified by the Office System macro security settings, which can cause macro viruses to load undetected and lead to data loss or reduced application functionality. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33924r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security “Scan encrypted macros in Excel Open XML workbooks” must be “Enabled: Scan encrypted macros (default)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value ExcelBypassEncryptedMacroScan is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29613r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security “Scan encrypted macros in Excel Open XML workbooks” to “Enabled: Scan encrypted macros (default)”.

b
Disallowance of Trusted Locations on the network must be enforced.
Medium - V-17520 - SV-33446r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO134 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17520
Rule IDs
  • SV-33446r1_rule
Files located in Trusted Locations and specified in the Trust Center are assumed to be safe. Content, code, and add-ins are allowed to load from Trusted Locations with minimal security and without prompting the user for permission. By default, users can specify Trusted Locations on network shares, or in other remote locations not under their direct control, by selecting the “Allow Trusted Locations on my network” (not recommended) check box in the Trusted Locations section of the Trust Center. If a dangerous file is opened from a trusted location, it will not be subject to typical security measures and could affect users' computers or data.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33929r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Allow Trusted Locations on the network" must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\trusted locations Criteria: If the value AllowNetworkLocations is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29618r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Trusted Locations “Allow Trusted Locations on the network" to “Disabled”.

b
Save files default format must be configured.
Medium - V-17521 - SV-33437r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO139 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17521
Rule IDs
  • SV-33437r1_rule
When users create new Excel files, Excel 2010 saves them in the new *.xlsx format. Ensure this setting is enabled to specify all new files are created in Excel 2010. If a new file is created in an earlier format, some users may not be able to open or use the file, or they may choose a format this is less secure than the Excel 2010 format. Users can still select a specific format when they save files, but they cannot change default of this setting from the Excel Options dialog box. This enforced user behavior ensures any change to the file format requires additional deliberate user interaction. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33920r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Save "default file format" must be set to "Enabled (Excel Workbook *.xlsx)". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options Criteria: If the value DefaultFormat is REG_DWORD = 0x00000033(hex) or 51 (Decimal), this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29609r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Save "default file format" to "Enabled (Excel Workbook *.xlsx)".

b
Trust access for VBA must be disallowed.
Medium - V-17522 - SV-33444r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO146 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17522
Rule IDs
  • SV-33444r1_rule
VSTO projects require access to the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, even though the projects do not use Visual Basic for Applications. Design-time support of controls in both Visual Basic and C# projects depends on the Visual Basic for Applications project system in Word and Excel. By default, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint do not allow automation clients to have programmatic access to VBA projects. Users can enable this by selecting the Trust access to the VBA project object model in the Macro Settings section of the Trust Center. However, doing so allows macros in any documents the user opens to access the core Visual Basic objects, methods, and properties, which represents a potential security hazard. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33927r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Trust access to Visual Basic Project” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value AccessVBOM is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29616r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Trust access to Visual Basic Project” to “Disabled”.

b
Warning Bar settings for VBA macros must be configured.
Medium - V-17545 - SV-33445r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO304 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17545
Rule IDs
  • SV-33445r1_rule
When users open files containing VBA Macros, applications open the files with the macros disabled and displays the Trust Bar with a warning that macros are present and have been disabled. Users may then enable these macros by clicking Options on the Trust Bar and selecting the option to enable them. Disabling or not configuring this setting may allow dangerous macros to become active on user computers or the network. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33928r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “VBA Macro Notification Settings” must be “Enabled: Disable all with notification". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value VBAWarnings is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29617r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “VBA Macro Notification Settings” to “Enabled: Disable all with notification".

b
File types must be configured to provide mismatch warnings.
Medium - V-17621 - SV-33440r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO143 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17621
Rule IDs
  • SV-33440r1_rule
Excel can load files with extensions that do not match the files' type. For example, if a comma-separated values (CSV) file named example.csv is renamed example.xls, Excel can properly load it as a CSV file. Some attacks target specific file formats. If Excel is allowed to load files with extensions that do not match their file types, a malicious person can deceive users into loading dangerous files that have incorrect extensions. By default, if users attempt to open files with the wrong extension, Excel opens the file and displays a warning that the file type is not what Excel expected. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33923r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security “Force file extension to match file type” must be set to “Enabled (Allow different, but warn)”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value ExtensionHardening is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29612r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security “Force file extension to match file type” to “Enabled (Allow different, but warn)”.

b
Internet links and Network UNCs created as embedded hyperlinks must be prevented.
Medium - V-17650 - SV-33436r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO138 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17650
Rule IDs
  • SV-33436r1_rule
When users type a string of characters, Excel recognizes as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) path to a resource on the Internet or a local network, Excel will transform it into a hyperlink. Clicking the hyperlink opens it in the configured default Web browser or the appropriate application. This functionality can enable users to accidentally create links to dangerous or restricted resources, which could create a security risk.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33919r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Proofing -> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options If the value AutoHyperlink is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29608r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Proofing -> Autocorrect Options “Internet and network paths as hyperlinks” to “Disabled”.

b
Automatic republish to web pages must be disallowed.
Medium - V-17652 - SV-33438r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO140 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17652
Rule IDs
  • SV-33438r1_rule
If users choose to publish Excel data to a static Web page and enable the AutoRepublish feature, Excel saves a copy of the data to the Web page every time the user saves the workbook. If the page is on a Web server, anyone who has access to the page will be able to see the updated data after every save, which can lead to the undesired disclosure of sensitive or incorrect information. By default, a message dialog box displays every time the user saves a published workbook when AutoRepublish is enabled. From this dialog box, the user can disable AutoRepublish temporarily or permanently, or select "Do not show this message again" to prevent the dialog box from appearing after every save. If the user selects “Do not show this message again”, Excel will continue to automatically republish the data after every save without informing the user. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33921r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Save “Disable AutoRepublish” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options Criteria: If the value DisableAutoRepublish is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29610r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Save “Disable AutoRepublish” to “Enabled”.

b
Update of automatic links must be configured to prompt.
Medium - V-17732 - SV-33434r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO150 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17732
Rule IDs
  • SV-33434r1_rule
If an Excel workbook contains links to other documents and users are not prompted to approve them, the contents of the workbook might change without the users' knowledge because the linked files have changed. By default, users are prompted to update automatic links. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33917r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Advanced “Ask to update automatic links” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options\binaryoptions Criteria: If the value fUpdateExt_78_1 is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29606r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Advanced “Ask to update automatic links” to “Enabled”.

b
AutoRepublish Warning Alert must be provided.
Medium - V-17744 - SV-33439r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO141 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17744
Rule IDs
  • SV-33439r1_rule
AutoRepublish is a feature in Excel allowing workbooks to be automatically republished to the World Wide Web each time the workbook is saved. A number of changes might need to be made to allow the workbook to be successfully published, including the following: • External references are converted to values. • Hidden formulas become visible. • The Set precision as displayed option, which appears beneath the “When calculating this workbook” heading in the Advanced section of the Excel Options dialog box, is no longer available. These types of changes can mean the version on the Web page might not be the same as the Excel file. By default, a message dialog box appears every time the user saves a published workbook when AutoRepublish is enabled. From this dialog box, the user can disable AutoRepublish temporarily or permanently, or select “Do not show this message again” to prevent the dialog box from appearing after every save. If the user selects “Do not show this message again”, Excel will continue to automatically republish the data after every save without informing the user. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33922r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Save “Do not show AutoRepublish warning alert” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options Criteria: If the value DisableAutoRepublishWarning is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29611r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Save “Do not show AutoRepublish warning alert” to “Disabled”.

b
Load pictures from Web pages must be disallowed.
Medium - V-17751 - SV-33435r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO152 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17751
Rule IDs
  • SV-33435r1_rule
When users open Web pages in Excel, Excel loads any graphics included in the pages, regardless of whether they were originally created in Excel. Allowing Excel to load graphics created in other programs can make Excel vulnerable to possible future zero-day attacks using graphic files as an attack vector. If such an event occurs, this setting can be used to mitigate the vulnerability.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33918r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Advanced -> Web Options -> General “Load pictures from Web pages not created in Excel” must be set to “Disabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\internet Criteria: If the value DoNotLoadPictures is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29607r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Advanced -> Web Options -> General “Load pictures from Web pages not created in Excel” to “Disabled”.

b
Macro storage must be in Personal macro workbooks.
Medium - V-17804 - SV-33443r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO145 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-17804
Rule IDs
  • SV-33443r1_rule
The Record Macro dialog box includes a drop-down menu allowing users to choose whether to store the new macro in the current workbook, a new workbook, or their personal macro workbook (Personal.xlsb), a hidden workbook that opens every time Excel starts. By default, Excel displays the Record Macro dialog box with “This Workbook already selected” in the drop-down menu. If a user saves a macro in the active workbook and then distributes the workbook to others, the macro is distributed along with the workbook, which could put workbook data at risk if the macro is triggered accidentally or intentionally. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-33926r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Store macro in Personal Macro Workbook by default” must be set to “Enabled”. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options\binaryoptions Criteria: If the value fGlobalSheet_37_1 is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29615r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Store macro in Personal Macro Workbook by default” to “Enabled”.

b
Add-on Management functionality must be allowed.
Medium - V-26584 - SV-33780r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO126 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26584
Rule IDs
  • SV-33780r1_rule
Internet Explorer add-ons are pieces of code, run in Internet Explorer, to provide additional functionality. Rogue add-ons may contain viruses or other malicious code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network. For example, a malicious user can monitor and then use keystrokes users type into Internet Explorer. Even legitimate add-ons may demand resources, compromising the performance of Internet Explorer, and the operating systems for user computers.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34156r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Add-on Management” must be set to “Enabled” and ‘excel.exe’ is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ADDON_MANAGEMENT Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29845r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Add-on Management” to “Enabled” and ‘excel.exe’ is checked.

b
Protection from zone elevation must be enforced.
Medium - V-26585 - SV-33785r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO209 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26585
Rule IDs
  • SV-33785r1_rule
Internet Explorer places restrictions on each web page users can use the browser to open. Web pages on a user's local computer have the fewest security restrictions and reside in the Local Machine zone, making this security zone a prime target for malicious users and code. Disabling or not configuring this setting could allow pages in the Internet zone to navigate to pages in the Local Machine zone to then run code to elevate privileges. This could allow malicious code or users to become active on user computers or the network. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34162r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Protection From Zone Elevation” must be set to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_ZONE_ELEVATION Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29851r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Protection From Zone Elevation” to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked.

b
ActiveX Installs must be configured for proper restriction.
Medium - V-26586 - SV-33791r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO211 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26586
Rule IDs
  • SV-33791r1_rule
Microsoft ActiveX controls allow unmanaged, unprotected code to run on the user computers. ActiveX controls do not run within a protected container in the browser like the other types of HTML or Microsoft Silverlight-based controls. Disabling or not configuring this setting does not block prompts for ActiveX control installations and these prompts display to users. This could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34167r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict ActiveX Install” must be set to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_ACTIVEXINSTALL Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29856r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict ActiveX Install” to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked.

b
File Downloads must be configured for proper restrictions.
Medium - V-26587 - SV-33798r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO132 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26587
Rule IDs
  • SV-33798r1_rule
Disabling this setting allows websites to present file download prompts via code without the user specifically initiating the download. User preferences may also allow the download to occur without prompting or interacting with the user. Even if Internet Explorer prompts the user to accept the download, some websites abuse this functionality. Malicious websites may continually prompt users to download a file or present confusing dialog boxes to trick users into downloading or running a file. If the download occurs and it contains malicious code, the code could become active on user computers or the network. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34172r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict File Download” must be set to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_RESTRICT_FILEDOWNLOAD Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29861r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Restrict File Download” to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked.

b
Scripted Window Security must be enforced.
Medium - V-26588 - SV-33803r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO124 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26588
Rule IDs
  • SV-33803r1_rule
Malicious websites often try to confuse or trick users into giving a site permission to perform an action allowing the site to take control of the users' computers in some manner. Disabling or not configuring this setting allows unknown websites to: -Create browser windows appearing to be from the local operating system. -Draw active windows displaying outside of the viewable areas of the screen capturing keyboard input. -Overlay parent windows with their own browser windows to hide important system information, choices or prompts. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34177r1_chk

The policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Scripted Window Security Restrictions” must be set to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WINDOW_RESTRICTIONS Criteria: If the value excel.exe is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29866r1_fix

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 (Machine) -> Security Settings -> IE Security “Scripted Window Security Restrictions” to “Enabled” and 'excel.exe' is checked.

b
Application add-ins must be signed by Trusted Publisher.
Medium - V-26589 - SV-33850r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO127 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26589
Rule IDs
  • SV-33850r1_rule
Office 2010 applications do not check the digital signature on application add-ins before opening them. Disabling or not configuring this setting may allow an application to load a dangerous add-in. As a result, malicious code could become active on user computers or the network.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34192r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher” must be set to “Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value RequireAddinSig is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29886r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Require that application add-ins are signed by Trusted Publisher” to “Enabled".

b
Data Execution Prevention must be enforced.
Medium - V-26590 - SV-33855r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO128 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26590
Rule IDs
  • SV-33855r1_rule
Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a set of hardware and software technologies performing additional checks on memory to help prevent malicious code from running on a system. The primary benefit of DEP is to help prevent code execution from data pages. Enabling this setting, turns off Data Execution Prevention. As a result, malicious code takes advantage of code injection or buffer overflow vulnerabilities possibly exploiting the computer.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34193r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Turn off Data Execution Prevention” must be set to “Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security Criteria: If the value EnableDEP is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29887r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center “Turn off Data Execution Prevention” to “Disabled".

b
Corrupt workbook options must be disallowed.
Medium - V-26591 - SV-34625r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO118 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26591
Rule IDs
  • SV-34625r1_rule
This setting controls whether Excel presents users with a list of data extraction options before beginning an Open and Repair operation when users choose to open a corrupt workbook in repair or extract mode.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34190r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Data Recovery “Do not show data extraction options when opening corrupt workbooks” must be set to “Enabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\options Criteria: If the value ExtractDataDisableUI is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29883r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Data Recovery “Do not show data extraction options when opening corrupt workbooks” to “Enabled".

b
Configuration for file validation must be enforced.
Medium - V-26592 - SV-33874r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO119 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26592
Rule IDs
  • SV-33874r1_rule
Office Binary Documents (97-2003) are checked to see if they conform against the file format schema before they are opened. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34191r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security “Turn off file validation” must be set to “Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value EnableOnLoad is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29884r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security “Turn off file validation” to “Disabled".

b
Open/Save actions for dBase III / IV files must be blocked.
Medium - V-26595 - SV-34230r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO122 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26595
Rule IDs
  • SV-34230r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34194r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “dBase III / IV files” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value DBaseFiles is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29888r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “dBase III / IV files” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Dif and Sylk files must be blocked.
Medium - V-26596 - SV-34238r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO112 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26596
Rule IDs
  • SV-34238r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34195r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Dif and Sylk files” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value DifandSylkFiles is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29889r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Dif and Sylk files” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 2 macrosheets and add-in files must be blocked.
Medium - V-26597 - SV-34239r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO113 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26597
Rule IDs
  • SV-34239r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34196r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 2 macrosheets and add-in files” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL2Macros is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29890r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 2 macrosheets and add-in files” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 2 worksheets must be blocked.
Medium - V-26598 - SV-34253r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO114 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26598
Rule IDs
  • SV-34253r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34197r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 2 worksheets” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL2Worksheets is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29891r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 2 worksheets” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 3 macrosheets and add-in files must be blocked.
Medium - V-26599 - SV-34255r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO115 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26599
Rule IDs
  • SV-34255r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34198r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 3 macrosheets and add-in files” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL3Macros is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29892r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 3 macrosheets and add-in files” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 3 worksheets must be blocked.
Medium - V-26601 - SV-34259r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO116 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26601
Rule IDs
  • SV-34259r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34199r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 3 worksheets” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL3Worksheets is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29893r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 3 worksheets” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 4 macrosheets and add-in files must be blocked.
Medium - V-26607 - SV-34269r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO105 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26607
Rule IDs
  • SV-34269r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34200r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 4 macrosheets and add-in files” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL4Macros is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29894r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 4 macrosheets and add-in files” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 4 workbooks must be blocked.
Medium - V-26608 - SV-34272r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO106 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26608
Rule IDs
  • SV-34272r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34201r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 4 workbooks” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL4Workbooks is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29895r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 4 workbooks” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Open/Save actions for Excel 4 worksheets must be blocked.
Medium - V-26609 - SV-34275r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO107 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26609
Rule IDs
  • SV-34275r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34202r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 4 worksheets” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL4Worksheets is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29896r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 4 worksheets” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Actions for Excel 95 workbooks must be configured to edit in protected view.
Medium - V-26610 - SV-34277r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO108 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26610
Rule IDs
  • SV-34277r2_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34203r2_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 95 workbooks” must be “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL95Workbooks is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29897r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 95 workbooks” to “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".

b
Actions for Excel 95-97 workbooks and templates must be configured to edit in protected view.
Medium - V-26611 - SV-34279r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO109 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26611
Rule IDs
  • SV-34279r2_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34204r2_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 95-97 workbooks and templates” must be “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value XL9597WorkbooksandTemplates is REG_DWORD = 5, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29898r2_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Excel 95-97 workbooks and templates” to “Enabled: Allow editing and open in Protected View".

b
Blocking as default file block opening behavior must be enforced.
Medium - V-26612 - SV-33872r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO110 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26612
Rule IDs
  • SV-33872r1_rule
Users can open, view, or edit a large number of file types in Excel 2010. Some file types are safer than others, as some could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network. For this reason, disabling or not configuring this setting could allow malicious code to become active on user computers or the network.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34205r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Set default file block behavior” must be “Enabled: Blocked files are not opened". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value OpenInProtectedView is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29899r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Set default file block behavior” to “Enabled: Blocked files are not opened".

a
Open/Save actions for Web pages and Excel 2003 XML spreadsheets must be blocked.
Low - V-26613 - SV-34282r2_rule
RMF Control
Severity
L
CCI
Version
DTOO120 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26613
Rule IDs
  • SV-34282r2_rule
This policy setting allows for determining whether users can open, view, edit, or save Excel files with the format specified by the title. If enabling this policy setting, specify whether users can open, view, edit, or save files. The options that can be selected are below. Note: Not all options may be available for this policy setting. - Do not block: The file type will not be blocked. - Save blocked: Saving of the file type will be blocked. - Open/Save blocked, use open policy: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked. The file will open based on the policy setting configured in the "default file block behavior" key. - Block: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the file will not open. - Open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit the file type will not be enabled. - Allow editing and open in Protected View: Both opening and saving of the file type will be blocked, and the option to edit will be enabled. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the file type will not be blocked.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34206r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Web pages and Excel 2003 XML spreadsheets” must be “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\fileblock Criteria: If the value HtmlandXmlssFiles is REG_DWORD = 2, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29900r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> File Block Settings “Web pages and Excel 2003 XML spreadsheets” to “Enabled: Open/Save blocked, use open policy".

b
Files from the Internet zone must be opened in Protected View.
Medium - V-26614 - SV-33861r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO121 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26614
Rule IDs
  • SV-33861r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining if files downloaded from the Internet zone open in Protected View. If enabling this policy setting, files downloaded from the Internet zone do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, files downloaded from the Internet zone open in Protected View.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34207r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View” must be set to “Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableInternetFilesInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29901r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files from the Internet zone in Protected View” to “Disabled".

b
Files in unsafe locations must be opened in Protected View.
Medium - V-26615 - SV-33864r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO288 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26615
Rule IDs
  • SV-33864r1_rule
This policy setting determines if files located in unsafe locations will open in Protected View. If unsafe locations have not been specified, only the "Downloaded Program Files" and "Temporary Internet Files" folders are considered unsafe locations. If enabling this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, files located in unsafe locations open in Protected View.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34208r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View” must be set to “Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableUnsafeLocationsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29902r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Do not open files in unsafe locations in Protected View” to “Disabled".

b
Document behavior if file validation fails must be set.
Medium - V-26616 - SV-33867r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO292 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26616
Rule IDs
  • SV-33867r1_rule
This policy key controls the behavior of how Office documents should be handled when failing File Validation. The options available are: -Block files completely. This will prevent users from opening files. -Open files in Protected View and disallow edit. This will prevent users from editing the files. -Open files in Protected view and allow edit. This will allow users to edit the files. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, the default setting will be, "open files in protected view and allow edit". Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34211r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Set document behavior if file validation fails” must be "Enabled: Open in Protected View" and Unchecked for "Do not allow edit". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following keys: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value OpenInProtectedView is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding. AND HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\filevalidation Criteria: If the value DisableEditFromPV is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29903r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Set document behavior if file validation fails” to "Enabled: Open in Protected View" and Unchecked for "Do not allow edit".

b
Attachments opened from Outlook must be in Protected View.
Medium - V-26617 - SV-33870r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO293 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26617
Rule IDs
  • SV-33870r1_rule
This policy setting allows for determining if Excel files in Outlook attachments open in Protected View. If enabling this policy setting, Outlook attachments do not open in Protected View. If disabling or not configuring this policy setting, Outlook attachments open in Protected View.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34212r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook” must be set to “Disabled". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\excel\security\protectedview Criteria: If the value DisableAttachmentsInPV is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29904r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Excel 2010 -> Excel Options -> Security -> Trust Center -> Protected View “Turn off Protected View for attachments opened from Outlook” to “Disabled".

b
Disable UI extending from documents and templates must be disallowed.
Medium - V-26625 - SV-33809r1_rule
RMF Control
Severity
M
CCI
Version
DTOO305 - Excel
Vuln IDs
  • V-26625
Rule IDs
  • SV-33809r1_rule
Office 2010 allows developers to extend the UI with customization code that is included in a document or template. If the customization code is written by an inexperienced or malicious developer, it could limit the accessibility or availability of important application commands. Commands could also be added to launch macros containing malicious code. Office applications load any UI customization code included with a document or template when opening it.Information Assurance OfficerSystem AdministratorECSC-1
Checks: C-34183r1_chk

The policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 -> Global Options -> Customize “Disable UI extending from documents and templates” must be “Enabled" and "Disallow in Excel" selected. Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\common\toolbars\excel Criteria: If the value NoExtensibilityCustomizationFromDocument is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Fix: F-29872r1_fix

Set the policy value for User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Microsoft Office 2010 -> Global Options -> Customize “Disable UI extending from documents and templates” to “Enabled" and select "Disallow in Excel".